Building Bridges to Empowerment: Critical Race Theory in Science Training
In the quest for educational equity and empowerment, Critical Race Theory (CRT) has emerged as a transformative framework, particularly in the realm of science training. The California State University, Northridge BUILD PODER program exemplifies how CRT can be leveraged to empower students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, to thrive in biomedical research and beyond.
Understanding the BUILD PODER Program
BUILD PODER, which stands for Building Infrastructure Leading to Diversity; Promoting Opportunities for Diversity in Education and Research, is an undergraduate biomedical research training program rooted in CRT. This initiative is designed to empower students by helping them navigate and challenge the institutional policies and practices that might hinder their academic progress.
Key Outcomes and Implications
The program's CRT-informed curriculum equips students with the tools to confront social barriers and inequities, fostering an environment where they can thrive academically and professionally. By integrating CRT into the campus dialogue, BUILD PODER is changing campus culture and mentoring relationships, leading to more egalitarian and respectful faculty-student interactions.
Preliminary data suggests that the program has enhanced the racial and ethnic consciousness of the campus community, making it an effective model for other institutions aiming to promote diversity and inclusion in science education.
Practical Steps for Practitioners
For practitioners in speech-language pathology and other fields, incorporating CRT into practice can lead to significant improvements in educational outcomes. Here are some practical steps to consider:
- Embrace a CRT-Informed Curriculum: Integrate CRT principles into your educational programs to help students understand and challenge the systemic barriers they face.
- Foster Inclusive Mentoring Relationships: Develop mentoring relationships that are respectful and egalitarian, focusing on empowering students to become their own advocates.
- Promote Campus-Wide Discussions: Encourage discussions around CRT and institutional change to create a more inclusive and equitable educational environment.
- Build Strong Community Ties: Collaborate with community colleges and other partners to enrich your student body and diversify mentorship opportunities.
Encouraging Further Research
While the BUILD PODER program provides a robust model for integrating CRT into science training, there is still much to learn and explore. Practitioners are encouraged to delve deeper into CRT and its applications in their respective fields. By doing so, they can contribute to a more equitable and inclusive educational landscape.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Critical race theory as a bridge in science training: the California State University, Northridge BUILD PODER program.
